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LAKELAND POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEMBER ANA RIVERA RESIGNS FROM PANEL DUE TO WORKLOAD AND HEALTH REASONS

LAKELAND, FL (July 30, 2013) - Ana Rivera, the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County president, resigned Monday from the Lakeland Police Department Advisory Commission. She cited an expanding workload in organizing chamber events and recent medical news as her reasons for resigning. Rivera said, “I've got so many things on my plate that when I saw what we had ahead of us with the Advisory Panel, I found it's going to be a lot of work and I don't think physically I'm prepared for it.”

Mayor Gow Fields said, “In a phone conversation on Monday, Ana shared with me that she and her husband were informed last Friday that he will be facing major surgery.” He added, “This along with her work schedule and the work for Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be too much for her to continue. She is excited about the work of the panel and has made some suggestions for me as to who can be appointed in her place.”

Mayor Fields plans to address the Lakeland Police Advisory Commission and present Rivera’s replacement at their upcoming meeting on Friday, August 2nd scheduled at 3 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall located at 228 S. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL.

Mayor Gow Fields said, “We have assembled an advisory panel to review the current situation with LPD and City Hall in light of the State’s Attorney’s report to develop recommendations for making improvements.” He added, “The Panel is a diverse group, spanning a range of age, experience, gender, race and political affiliation and I feel confident that they will bring a citizens’ perspective to the issue.”

The advisory panel will conduct their business independently from City Administration with full support to meet with any public officials including but not limited to Chief Womack or any other personnel.

The Lakeland Police Advisory Commission has been charged to define and answer questions concerning the recent controversies involving the Lakeland Police Department and suggest specific actions that can be taken to improve community trust. Specific questions to be addressed by the panel include:

· Does the City and LPD have the appropriate processes in place to address current challenges?

· What can be done to improve the culture within the LPD?

· What can be done to improve citizen trust?

The panel had their first meeting on Thursday, July 25th and during the meeting they named Bruce Abel and Tim Jackson as co-chairs.

For more information regarding the Lakeland Police Advisory Panel, go to www.lakelandgov.net.

LAKELAND, FL (July 30, 2013) – The City of Lakeland has scheduled a public hearing regarding the Wabash Avenue Extension Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study. The hearing is Thursday, August 1, 2013 from 6p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lakeland City Hall, 3rd Floor, City Commission Chambers, 228 S. Massachusetts Avenue in Lakeland, FL 33801.

The hearing begins with an open house at 6 p.m., when participants may review project displays and other documents and discuss recommended improvements with staff. A formal presentation begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by formal public comment period open to everyone.

The PD&E study is conducted to evaluate the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the extension of Wabash Avenue from Harden Boulevard to Ariana Street, a distance of approximately 2.6 miles. The study team is evaluating these improvements to address future travel demand and to provide for enhanced mobility and regional connectivity in Southwest Lakeland. The public hearing is conducted to present roadway concepts under evaluation and to obtain input from elected and appointed officials, property owners/tenants, business owners/operators, and other interested parties.

Project documentation is available for public review weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from July 11, 2013 to August 1, 2013, at the City of Lakeland Public Works Department at 228 S. Massachusetts Avenue in Lakeland, Florida 33801. These materials will also be available at the hearing.

Participants may provide public comment directly to a court reporter at any time during the hearing. Written comments can be submitted at this hearing or by mail to Mr. Greg Moore, 941 Lake Baldwin Lane in Orlando, FL 32814 or by e-mail to gmoore@drmp.com, no later than August 1, 2013. All written and oral comments will become part of the project’s public record.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. People requiring accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or people who require translation services (free of charge) at the hearing should contact Study Team Project Manager Mr. Greg Moore at (407) 896-0594 or by e-mail to gmoore@drmp.com at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing.

Project-related information may be obtained by contacting Mr. Moore or Mr. Greg James, City of Lakeland Project Manager at (863) 834-6040; by email toGreg.James@lakelandgov.net or follow the City of Lakeland Public Works Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/fbcolpw.

LAKELAND, FL (July 19, 2013) -- Commissioner Phillip Walker has reached out to the faith community and has put together a prayer vigil with area pastors called A Time to Pray that will take place in Munn Park on Thursday, July 25th at 7:30 a.m. RAIN OR SHINE. Walker said, “I am asking that we come together as a community as we seek guidance through these critical situations that have been brought to the surface. We need to pray for our City and for our citizens as we work together to heal our community.”

A Time to Pray will be lead by Commissioner Walker and will feature area places of worship who have been contacted to appear at the event. Several places of worship were contacted and at this time three have confirmed their participation with more expected. Those that have confirmed include:

Pastor David McEntire from First United Church of Lakeland

Pastor E.T. PickettIII of Word Alive Ministries inLakeland

Richard Richardson of New Bethel A.M.E.

Steve Davis, Executive Pastor, First Baptist Church at the Mall

Mike Cooper, Executive Director The Dream Center

Father Caulfield, Retired Parish Leader for St. Joseph Catholic Church

Representative from both Temple Emmanuel

Walker said, “We are all questioning the issues facing the Lakeland Police Department and I can tell you that we have some great people working for us who put their life on the line every day for our safety. We are working through the issues and we are determined to let those go who have disgraced our City. He added, “I invite the community to meet us in Munn Park even if you don’t believe in the power of prayer as we embrace unity and guidance for our City.”

For more information, please contact Commissioner Phillip Walker at 863/698-8094.

LAKELAND, FL (July 12, 2013) – The City of Lakeland will conduct a Citizens Town Hall Public Meeting at The Lakeland Center’s Youkey Theatre on Monday, July 22, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

The public forum will allow the citizens of Lakeland the opportunity to address their concerns to City Officials about the sexual misconduct investigation that includes several members of the Lakeland Police Department. A Police Advisory Commission is being formed and input from the Town Hall Meeting will provide additional insight to the panel that is charged with recommending specific actions to improve community trust with the Lakeland Police Department. The Advisory Commission will be co-chaired by Joe P. Ruthven and Polk State College President Eileen Holden.